Anthony Joshua has been slammed by a rape victims’ charity for heaping praise on Cristiano Ronaldo – as the footballer faces serious sex assault allegations.

The heavyweight champ named Ronaldo his sporting hero – and backed him for “still smiling” despite getting “f*****” by taxes and “women”.

Kathryn Mayorga claims she was raped by the Juventus star, 34, in a Las Vegas hotel in 2009 – which Ronaldo, 34, firmly denies.

The model also alleges she was paid £280,000 in hush money.

Meanwhile, Ronaldo was convicted of tax fraud and settled a 19million Euro fine in January – walking free with a 23-month suspended sentence.

Joshua, 29, was speaking at a promo event ahead of his showdown with Jarrell Miller in New York this summer when he began celebrating the former Man Utd star.

He said: “I’ve always said two things you’d get f***** for as an athlete is women and tax, he’s got f***** for both and he’s still smiling, still strong.

“You need mental strength, he’s proved that. “He’s a family man, he’s got that aspect, but still out working and he’s dedicated to what he does.

“So as a sportsman he’s had the issue of one side, he’s got the family on the other side, and he balances what he’s passionate about. “He completes all the packages, so I like Ronaldo for that reason.”